ABOUT US

The Kura began it's existence in 1894 as Karikari Native School, and was located at the

original site of Tamapahore Marae. The Education Board initially administered the school.
In 1943 that Kura moved to its current site and the name changed to Papamoa Maori School. The land for the Kura was gifted by Anamaria Pine Honiana. In 1968, after a series of community hui the name "Otepou" was adopted.
In 1992, Otepou was approved Kura Kaupapa Maori Status. Since 1993, there have been changes in the Kura, including legislative and aesthetical improvements. These changes could be likened to a journey. Currently the roll stands at 86 tamariki ranging from 0 - Year 12, and are made up from whanau living in and around Tauranga Moana.

Ko Mauao te Maunga
Ko Tauranga te Moana
Ko Ngai Te Rangi, Ngati Ranginui
me Ngati Pukenga nga iwi
Ko Takitumu me Mataatua nga waka

The school is located within the boundaries of Ngaiterangi and Ngati Pukenga Iwi, and is surrounded by four maunga. Classrooms have adopted those maunga names - Kopukairoa, Mangatawa, Kowhararahi, Mauao. We remember the kuia that gifted the land for the school, and adopt her name to our pepi classroom.

Te Awa o Waitao provides the vehicle of sustenance and fresh water from Te Rere Kawau (Kaiate Falls) into Te Tahuna o Rangataua, from which the generations have, and still do, sustain their whanau - titiko, papaka, patiki, tamure and tuna.

The papaka holds particular significance to the area, and is noted in a tauparapara:
"Ko nga papaka o Rangataua He paruparu te kai."